IRS officer faces countersuit from government

The government has counter-sued a Las Vegas Internal Revenue Service officer who claims he was targeted in a criminal investigation because he raised discrimination allegations against the federal agency.

By JEFF GERMAN LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

November 6, 2013 - 11:47 am

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew

The government has counter-sued a Las Vegas Internal Revenue Service officer who claims he was targeted in a criminal investigation because he raised discrimination allegations against the federal agency.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and the Nevada U.S. attorney’s office alleged in the suit, filed last week, that the IRS lost $100,000 after Revenue Officer Anthony M. Zecchino closed taxpayer collection cases without authorization in 2010 and 2011.

“Closing an account can result in the lapse of any period of limitation within which to pursue legal remedies against the taxpayer, or the occurrence of other contingencies preventing collection, with the consequence that the taxpayer’s liability to the government can become legally uncollectable, ” Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Wenthe wrote.

Wenthe alleged that Zecchino made false entries in the IRS computer system indicating a manager had approved the account closings and concealed his actions until he was confronted by internal Treasury Department investigators.

Zecchino’s lawyer, former federal prosecutor Paul Padda, said the government’s allegations have no merit, and Zecchino didn’t do the things being alleged.

“Under the theory advanced by the government against Mr. Zecchino, every federal prosecutor could be personally liable for failing to pursue all aspects of a case, including forfeiture,” Padda said. “Given the way the government is pursing its case against Mr. Zecchino, it’s no wonder morale is at an all-rime low among federal employees.”

In court papers this week responding to the counterclaim, Padda said the Treasury Department was trying to “take the focus off of its own illegal and inappropriate conduct.”

Zecchino, 41, alleged in a lawsuit in May that the IRS enlisted the help of the U.S. Attorney’s office to target him in a criminal investigation in retaliation for discrimination claims he filed.

Lew was the only defendant named in the suit.

“Dangling the threat of criminal prosecution over the head of any employee who has made legitimate complaints about discrimination is the ultimate abuse of government power,” Padda told the Las Vegas Review-Journal at the time.

The lawsuit contended that Zecchino, who has worked for the IRS for 14 years, received a target letter from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Newman about a month after his lawyers filed a discrimination complaint alleging Zecchino’s supervisors made derogatory remarks about his Italian heritage.

In the March letter, Newman said an internal Treasury Department investigation concluded that Zecchino may have violated two federal criminal statutes — unlawful acts by revenue officers and theft of government funds — when he “improperly and fraudulently” closed collection cases that still had identifiable assets available for collection.

The target letter did not state that Zecchino took any money for his own benefit, and his lawyers said there was no proof he profited from any of his actions. He has not been charged in the criminal investigation.

“In this case, there is no evidence, let alone the suggestion, that Mr. Zecchino personally benefited from the alleged actions identified in the couterclaim,” Padda said in his court papers this week.

The target letter was an effort to intimidate him into abandoning his discrimination claims against the IRS, Padda said earlier this year.

According to the suit, one of Zecchino’s supervisors once asked him whether “all Italians dress like pimps” and on another occasion remarked that he collected taxes “like the Godfather and the Sopranos.”

The supervisor’s boss ignored the allegations and embarked on a “deranged and retaliatory” campaign against Zecchino that led to his demotion, denial of 240 hours of sick leave and targeting in the criminal investigation, the lawsuit alleged.

Zecchino, the suit explained, was relegated to manning a reception kiosk at the IRS and denied an opportunity to transfer outside Nevada.

Contact reporter Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135. Followhim on Twitter @JGermanRJ.

Clark County School Board President Deanna Wright says she followed proper expense protocol in trip to Florida last year.

Matt Kelly Elementary School hosted its third annual Back-to-School Red Carpet Program

Matt Kelly Elementary School hosted its third annual Back-to-School Red Carpet Program where community and business leaders joined to welcome students back with an inspirational welcome. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye

Shooting leaves 1 dead in southeast valley

A man was found fatally shot in the doorway of a squatter apartment after an argument ended in gunfire on Sunday night. Officers responded about 10:30 p.m. to the Silver Pines apartments and discovered the man in a breezeway in one of the buildings. The wounded man died at the scene, despite the efforts of another person, who tried to administer medical aid. Witnesses saw a man and a woman flee the scene, but were unable to give police a clear description.

North Las Vegas unveils new school crosswalk

North Las Vegas councilman Isaac Barron talks about the new school crosswalk in front of CP Squires Elementary School Monday, August 6, 2018. (Marcus Villagran/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @brokejournalist

LVMPD Briefing on OIS #13

Assistant Sheriff Tim Kelly held a press conference to discuss details of the 13th officer-involved-shoot for the department in 2018. Video shows the moments before the suspect was shot. The shooting, which has been edited out, occurred as the suspect lunged at an officer outside the apartment. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Sedan and semitrailer collide in south Las Vegas

An early Wednesday morning crash has left one person in critical condition. A sedan and semitrailer collided around 4 a.m. at the corner of Spencer Street and Serene Avenue. Police do not believe impairment is a factor in the crash. Spencer has been blocked off north of Serene while police continue their investigation.

Cybersecurity Professionals Flock to Las Vegas for Black Hat

Black Hat USA, the largest annual cybersecurity conference, is expecting a record 17,000 attendees during its six-day run at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this week. One thing attendees have in mind is making sure they don't get hacked while they're there. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Police chase ends with suspects captured in east Las Vegas

An early Tuesday morning chase ended with a car crash in an east Las Vegas neighborhood. Police were pursuing the vehicle, which they say was involved in robberies in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, when the driver crashed at Owens and Statz Street. A man was taken into custody. A woman was ejected from a vehicle and taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The intersection at Mojave Road and Owens Avenue was shut down while police officers searched for the suspect and investigated. The intersection will remain closed for most of the morning.

Record number participate in Touro University Nevada White Coat Ceremony

Three hundred sixty-five medical students received their white coats during the Touro University Nevada White Coat Ceremony at the M Resort in Henderson Monday. The ceremony was developed to honor students in osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy as they accept the professional responsibilities inherent in their relationship with patients. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Crews moved the wooden Remembrance Wall at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden on South Casino Center Boulevard Monday. Construction on a permanent wall is set to begin within the week. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @MadelynGReese

Man wounded outside Cottages apartment

Las Vegas police don't have a motive after a man was shot early Monday morning outside a northwest valley apartment. The man's mother called police to say her son had been shot. She called police around 1:15 a.m. Other people were inside the apartment but no one else was injured. Police are still looking for the shooter.

Cassi Davis was diagnosed with anxiety and depression after the birth of her second child. After seeking help and support, she felt that there wasn't enough for support for those living day in and day out for those with mood disorders. She created the Crush Run, set for Sept. 22, to raise money for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and bring together a community of people who live with the same conditions she does. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

North Las Vegas marks the opening of Tropical Parkway connector

The City of North Las Vegas, Nevada Department of Transportation and other partners celebrated the opening of the Tropical Parkway connector to Interstate 15 and the Las Vegas Beltway. The stretch of road will make access easier for distribution centers for Amazon, Sephora and other companies moving into an 1,100-acre industrial area rising near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The Adult Superstore on Main Street has closed its doors for good after 45 years. The shop, which offered a multitude of adult toys, novelty items and movies, opened in 1973. Four other locations remain open. A note on the front door tells customers, “We can’t fully express our sorrow.” Adult Superstore was awarded Best of Las Vegas adult store by the Review-Journal in 2016 and 2017 .

Funeral held for Las Vegas corrections officer

Department of Public Safety Correctional Officer Kyle Eng died July 19 after a fight with an inmate at the Las Vegas Jail. A funeral was held for Eng at Canyon Ridge Christian Church Monday, July 30, 2018. (Marcus Villagran/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @brokejournalist

What Back-To-School Shopping Is Like For a CCSD Parent and Teacher

Laura LeBowsky, a CCSD special education teacher and mother of two, set out to shop for her children's supply lists at her local Walmart and Target. She was looking for deals to try to keep the total under $150, while also allowing Chloe, 8, and Brady, 6, some choice in what they wanted. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal) @MadelynGReese

Businesses struggle to fill food manufacturing jobs

Chelten House is a family-owned food manufacturing company from New Jersey. They created a facility in Vegas five years ago and have struggled to find experienced workers in the area. (Marcus Villagran/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

LeBron heckler crosses line, altercation erupts

NBA superstar LeBron James, his wife, Savannah, and daughter Zhuri were at Liberty High School to watch Bronny James in action Wednesday night. But an unruly fan wearing a Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls jersey heckled the newest Los Angeles Laker. The man screamed at event security with LeBron and his family about 150 feet away. The man had to be restrained, triggering a brief altercation with security. James and his family were escorted out a side door along with Bronny's team, the North Coast Blue Chips. Event officials canceled the game between the Blue Chips and Nike Meanstreets.

Las Vegas Oddities Shop in Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas Oddities shop owner Vanessa VanAlstyne describes what's for sale in one of the weirder and wackier stores in Downtown Las Vegas. The store opened less than a year ago and carries everything from human bones to "rogue" taxidermy to Victorian death photography. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Trying to Staying Cool in the Las Vegas Heat

Cooling stations like Cambridge Recreation Center's opened across the Las Vegas Valley this week after the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the area. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Tuesday, July 24 through Thursday, July 26 in Las Vegas. People are reminded to limit outdoor activity, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Visit weather.gov/heat for more heat safety tips. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Burning car in Las Vegas Spaghetti Bowl

Firefighters extinguish a burning car on the Martin Luther King offramp from northbound Interstate 15 in the Spaghetti Bowl in Las Vegas on July 23, 2018.

Fire Department Issues Warning About Water Safety

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Buchanan made a public safety announcement about water safety after Clark County Fire responded to 27 calls that were classified as drowning incidents between May 1 and July 20. Clark County Fire, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and North Las Vegas Fire responded to 55 total calls during the same time. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

CEO Rossi Ralenkotter is the third-highest-paid public official in the state He has a pay and benefits package valued at $863,000 annually. Ralenkotter does not have an employment contract He announced his retirement in mid June, amid a scandal over airline gift cards LVCVA bought $90,000 in Southwest Airline gift cards between 2012 and 2017. Now auditors can’t account for more than $50,000 of the cards. Ralenkotter and his family used $16,207 in gift cards on 56 trips. Brig Lawson, the senior director of business partnerships, was responsible for buying and distributing the cards. He recently resigned. Ralenkotter's retirement settlement package could cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.

A swarm of Nye County deputies, at the request of Las Vegas police, surrounded a hotel room in Pahrump last week to take two fugitives into custody. (Nye County Sheriff's Office)

Las Vegas judge’s ruling will halt tonight’s execution

On Wednesday Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez issued a ruling that will halt the execution of convicted murderer Scott Dozier. Alvogen Inc., which makes the sedative midazolam, filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing the Nevada Department of Corrections of surreptitiously obtaining the drug for use in an execution.

3 people shot in southeast Las Vegas

Three men were shot Thursday night in southeast Las Vegas, and two of them have life threatening injuries.
Las Vegas police responded to the incident just after 10 p.m. on the 5000 block of Mountain Vista Street.
The investigation is in its early stages and police were unable to describe the suspect or say how man people they think were involved. Police encourage anyone with information regarding this shooting to call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555, or 3-1-1

Robbery suspects apprehended

Four robbery suspects were taken into custody Thursday morning after a vehicle and foot chase that ended in an east Las Vegas neighborhood.
The incident began when a person was robbed at gunpoint around 4:45 a.m. near Maryland Parkway and Desert Inn. Officers arriving at the scene tried to stop two vehicles. One vehicle escaped but police chased the second into a neighborhood on Flamingo Road near Mountain Vista Street. Police surrounded the neighborhood and the suspects were apprehended. It looked like one police vehicle was involved in a collision with the suspects' car. One woman suffered an unknown injury and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
01:04

Las Vegas police looking for robbery suspects

Two robbers who recently targeted three Las Vegas businesses remained at large Tuesday and police are asking the public to help identify them. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

Metro Capt. Jaime Prosser gives update of officer-involved shooting

Metro Capt. Jaime Prosser provides an update about an officer-involved shooting at Radwick Drive and Owens Avenue in the northeast Las Vegas on Thursday. A robbery suspect was shot and killed. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

LVMPD Looking For Robbery Suspect

The LVMPD Commercial Robbery Section is attempting to identify the pictured suspect who is responsible for committing robberies to businesses in the southern part of the Las Vegas Valley during the month of May 2018. The suspect enters the business, threatens the employee with a firearm and demands money from the register. The employee complies and the suspect flees the business.

North Las Vegas police are investigating a triple shooting that left one man dead

North Las Vegas police are investigating a triple shooting that left one man dead at 2500 block of Ellis St., on Friday, June 8, 2018. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye